Local News

Barger re-elected as representative

Republican will retain seat in 80th District

State Rep. Scott Barger defeated Democratic candidate Sarah Holland by a wide margin and retained his seat representing the 80th Legislative District, according to preliminary election results.

The 80th consists of parts of Blair and Huntingdon counties.

As of Tuesday night's unofficial results, Barger received 16,757 votes in Blair County, while Holland tallied 6,024 votes.

In Huntingdon County, Barger had 844 votes and Holland finished with 292.

Now elected to serve a second term in office, Barger said he was happy to see the election results.

"It's a challenging job, but I'm honored the people in my community want me to do it again," he said.

One of his top priorities includes passing a gift ban that prohibits lobbyists from giving elected officials gifts such as vehicles or event tickets that could potentially influence policies.

"My district would consider it a sign of corruption," he said.

He ensures that regional values will still be clearly represented in Harrisburg, and he will continue to speak boldly for his district.

"I can still speak about what's important to my neighbors to the people in power in Harrisburg," he said.